Shepley Bulfinch, The Link

Phoenix, AZ | 2008

The LINK, located at the heart of the Phoenix Cultural District, re-purposes the structural shell of this two-story mid-century commercial structure and, coupled with high performance interventions, transforms the structure into building stock well suited for the 21st century. With a design studio on the second floor, a coffee shop, retail space, and gallery occupy the street elevation. The ground-floor facade of glass panels slides open, enlivening the urban fabric and blurring the boundaries between the streetscape and lively activity within. A short walk from a major light-rail stop, Central Library, and Phoenix Art Museum, the LINK required no additional parking and reflects a commitment to the fabric of the Phoenix community. Reusing the structure significantly reduced the volume of construction waste sent to the landfill as well as considerably reducing the impacts of material extraction, production and transportation normally associated with new construction. In contrast to prevailing trends, the LINK boldly chooses to preserve the cultural identity of the structure’s facade and neighborhood while re-purposing the building for the future.